Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Sam Findley/Ball State Athletics
Bonds Joins Select List of Ball State Freshmen After Mark Against Toledo
November 25, 2025 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State freshman running back Jalen Bonds delivered a breakout performance at Toledo last weekend, leading the Cardinals with 58 rushing yards in just his second collegiate game.
Bonds, who made his debut the week prior at home versus Eastern Michigan, became the first Ball State true freshman to record at least 58 rushing yards in a game since Carson Steele did so in the 2021 Camellia Bowl on Christmas Day. Steele posted 62 yards against Georgia State, one of seven games that season in which he surpassed the 58-yard mark as a true freshman. Steele also led the Cardinals in rushing during those seven contests.
In addition to his production in the rushing category against the Rockets, Bonds turned a short pass play late in the contest into a team-leading 54-yard reception, bringing his total to 112 yards from scrimmage. He is just the 20th Ball State freshman since 2000 to record at least 110 scrimmage yards in a game. Bonds is the first to finish with exactly 112 yards since Briggs Orsbon did so on Homecoming in 2008 during a 41-20 win over Kent State as a true freshman.
Ball State closes its regular season Saturday with a trip to Miami (Ohio). Kickoff is set for noon as the Cardinals look to finish the year on a high note and build momentum behind emerging contributors like Bonds. The game will broadcast live on CBS Sports Network and WLBC 104.1 FM.
Bonds, who made his debut the week prior at home versus Eastern Michigan, became the first Ball State true freshman to record at least 58 rushing yards in a game since Carson Steele did so in the 2021 Camellia Bowl on Christmas Day. Steele posted 62 yards against Georgia State, one of seven games that season in which he surpassed the 58-yard mark as a true freshman. Steele also led the Cardinals in rushing during those seven contests.
In addition to his production in the rushing category against the Rockets, Bonds turned a short pass play late in the contest into a team-leading 54-yard reception, bringing his total to 112 yards from scrimmage. He is just the 20th Ball State freshman since 2000 to record at least 110 scrimmage yards in a game. Bonds is the first to finish with exactly 112 yards since Briggs Orsbon did so on Homecoming in 2008 during a 41-20 win over Kent State as a true freshman.
Ball State closes its regular season Saturday with a trip to Miami (Ohio). Kickoff is set for noon as the Cardinals look to finish the year on a high note and build momentum behind emerging contributors like Bonds. The game will broadcast live on CBS Sports Network and WLBC 104.1 FM.
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